Lucas Vacarisas produced a spectacular start to set up a maiden European Challenge Tour victory in the Hopps Open de Provence at Golf International de Pont Royal.
The Spaniard separated himself from a congested leaderboard by carding seven birdies in a row from the fourth hole to the 10th, and despite playing the remaining holes two over par, would ease to a memorable two stroke victory in France.
The 25-year-old carded rounds of 68-69-64-67 to reach 20 under par for the week, two clear of home favourite Félix Mory and Welshman Oli Farr, who shared second on 18 under par.
Vacarisas climbs 89 places to 39th in the Road to Mallorca Rankings and now has a realistic chance of taking his place in the field at the Rolex Challenge Tour Grand Final supported by the R&A next month. With the top 45 players after next week’s Hainan Open teeing it up at Club de Golf Alcanada, he’s now looking ahead to an exciting end to the season.
“I was playing well and I just tried to do my best and play every hole that way,” he said. “I’m so happy with my game and with all the work we’ve done this year.
“Every part of my game was great today. I was hitting the ball so good, so it was just about staying patient and being focussed all the time and I knew the birdies would come.
“Maybe I’ll now go to Mallorca. If I go to Mallorca, let’s make sure I have a good one there.”
Vacarisas’ win comes at a course designed by countryman and three-time Open winner, Severiano Ballesteros, and he admits to the result in France being even more special because of that connection.
“I grew up playing on a Seve designed course,” he added. “I used to practice in Golf San Juan which he designed too. It’s not like this, but some holes do look the same. I feel so grateful to win here. It’s very special.
“The crowds in France were incredible. It’s super when they follow you around, and it means a lot for us as players.”
Spaniard Manuel Elvira finished in fourth place on 17 under par, with overnight leader Francesco Laporta one stroke further back in fifth. Kristoffer Broberg fired an eight under par 64 on the final day to share sixth place on 15 under par with Frenchman Frederic Lacroix.
Elvira climbs five places to second on the Road to Mallorca Rankings, with Ugo Coussaud consolidating his place as the Number One with a 12th place finish on home soil. Laporta moves up six spots to 19th with Farr up 13 places to 20th.
The Road to Mallorca heads to China next for the Hainan Open at Danzhou Ancient Saltern Golf Club, taking place from October 13-16.
